Trump Demands Fair Compensation Ahead of Bridge Opening
President Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear that he expects the United States to be fully compensated before the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens, which will connect Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. He insists that Canada should treat the U.S. with “fairness and respect.”
Trump posted on Truth Social about the bridge, a 1.5-mile structure that, once open, will be the only route allowing both vehicular and bicycle traffic between the two cities. Although major construction is complete, the opening is pending a testing phase later this year.
Trump criticized Canada’s dealings with the U.S., mentioning that for decades, the treatment has been “very unfair.” He expressed optimism that things were beginning to change quickly. He elaborated on the bridge construction, posting, “Imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both.”
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump’s stance, emphasizing that the administration is focused on prioritizing American interests and pushing back against Canadian control over the bridge.
In a definitive statement, Trump claimed he would not allow the bridge to open until the U.S. receives appropriate compensation. He stated, “I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them.” He is calling for immediate negotiations, suggesting that the U.S. could hold at least half of the asset due to the market potential.
He also took the opportunity to criticize former President Barack Obama, alleging that a waiver was granted allowing Canada to bypass U.S. materials for the bridge’s construction, circumventing the Buy American Act.
Trump expressed frustration over Canadian market restrictions concerning U.S. products, claiming that they do not even allow American alcoholic beverages on store shelves. He voiced further concerns regarding a potential deal between Canada and China that, according to him, might be detrimental to American interests.
“Ontario won’t even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products on their shelves… and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada expressed confidence in resolving the bridge dispute following his talks with Trump. He pointed out that Canada financed the bridge, and highlighted the collaboration involving American workers and materials during its construction.
“I explained to the president that Canada paid for the bridge, and it’s a shared property between the state of Michigan and the Canadian government,” Carney stated.
